Registering as a nurse or midwife in the UK: For applicants trained within the EU or EEA

November 2010

Important note
In order to apply for registration through the EU registrations process you must be a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) national and trained as a nurse or midwife in the EU or EEA. If you were trained in a country outside the EU or EEA , and you have never registered and subsequently practised for 3 years in an EEA country, then you should apply for registration through the overseas route. This applies even if you are an EU national. If you were trained as a nurse or midwife in an EU or EEA member state but are not an EU or EEA national, then you should also apply for registration through the overseas route. Warning It is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom (UK) to pose as a nurse or midwife or to provide false or misleading information. If at any point in the application process we discover that your application is in any way fraudulent, we will not continue with your application and you may be liable for prosecution. If, after registration, we discover that any part of your application was fraudulent, we will remove you from the Register. In addition, you will then be liable for prosecution. The information in this booklet is correct as of November 2010. Please visit www.nmc-uk.org for further information and updates.

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Finding your way through this booklet

Applying to register as a nurse or midwife in the UK can be complex, but we hope this booklet has been set out in a way you can easily understand. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our Advice Centre on 020 7333 9333 or by email to eu.enquiries@nmc-uk.org

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4 Language requirements .................................................................................................. 6 Your responsibilities as a registered nurse or midwife .................................................... 7 Routes to registration...................................................................................................... 9 Qualifications from EU states and EEA countries leading to automatic recognition .................................................................................................................... 12 How to apply for registration as a nurse or midwife ...................................................... 21 Registering in the UK as a nurse responsible for general care ............................ 23 Registering in the UK as a midwife....................................................................... 24 Individual assessment: Nurses responsible for general care and midwives who do not meet automatic recognition or the practice requirements for acquired rights........................................................................... 25 EU requirements for the training of general care nurses ...................................... 27 Article 31 and annex V, 5.2.1 of Directive 2005/36/EC......................................... 27 EU requirements for the training of midwives ....................................................... 28 Individual assessment: Registering in the UK as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse ......................................................................... 30 Registering as a second level nurse..................................................................... 32 Temporary registration ......................................................................................... 33

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Introduction
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulatory body and competent authority for nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom (UK). Our job is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public by maintaining and improving standards of professional education, practice and conduct. An important part of this work is to consider applications from nurses and midwives trained and registered in another European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member state and in Switzerland, who wish to practise in the UK. Nationals of a relevant EU or EEA member state who are nurses or midwives and who wish to work in the UK are required to register with the NMC. The NMC register has three parts: nurses midwives specialist community public health nurses.

The nurses part of the register is divided into two sub parts: Sub part 1 for first level nurses, and sub part 2 for second level nurses (formerly known as enrolled nurses). Sub part 1 for first level nurses is divided into four fields of practice, which are: adult nursing mental health nursing learning disabilities nursing childrens nursing.

Sub part 2 for second level nurses is divided into four fields of practice, which are: adult nursing mental health nursing learning disabilities nursing general nursing.

You can apply to be on one or more of the above parts of the NMC register as long as you meet our standards. If you are a nurse, it is likely that you have trained as a nurse responsible for general care. As a result you should apply for first level registration in the field of adult nursing.

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Once registered with the NMC, you can work in the National Health Service (NHS) or private healthcare sector. You should be aware that the employment climate in the UK is very changeable. Furthermore we cannot help you find a job or give you references from any of the information you give us. All nurses and midwives registered with the NMC are required to practise in accordance with our rules and standards, including The code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives (NMC, 2008), and to reregister every three years.

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Language requirements
Under EU law, the NMC cannot require evidence of your ability to communicate in English for the purposes of registration. However, you need to make sure that you have sufficient knowledge of English in order to practise professionally (article 53 of the directive). Employers will expect this and have the right to require evidence of English language competence to ensure that they employ nurses and midwives who are able to communicate effectively. Therefore it is possible that any offer of employment in the UK may depend upon you being able to demonstrate competence in the English language through a test. We strongly advise you to make use of the Europass Language Passport. This is a selfassessment tool that enables you to assess your proficiency in understanding, speaking and writing any European language. Employers in the UK will expect that you will be proficient at level C1. You can find all the information about the Europass Language Passport at www.europass.cedefop.europa.eu Before you apply, we think it is important for you to understand the context of nursing and midwifery practice in the UK, and the type of training and education that students undertake.

For information about nursing and midwifery, go to page 7.

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Your responsibilities as a registered nurse or midwife

Becoming a nurse or midwife All registered nurses and midwives will have completed a pre-registration nursing or midwifery education programme. The NMC sets standards for the length and content of such programmes. These programmes take place in approved higher education institutions (HEIs). Only students who have successfully completed an approved nursing or midwifery programme, and who have met the NMC requirements of good health and good character, can apply to join the register. Responsibility and sphere of practice Registered nurses and midwives may work in a variety of health related settings including the NHS, private hospitals, nursing homes or in the community. In any circumstance the nurse or midwife is accountable for his or her own practice. This responsibility cannot be delegated elsewhere as the nurse or midwife is recognised as practising autonomously. However, everyone on the NMC register must ensure that they are competent in their sphere of practice and use evidence based learning and experience to maintain their expertise, whatever the circumstances of their employment. Requirements for renewal of registration as a nurse or midwife with the NMC Registration is renewed every three years, and on each occasion, two standards set by the NMC must be met: the continuing professional development (CDP) standard and the practice standard. In order to meet these standards, nurses must demonstrate that they have undertaken 35 hours of learning activity relevant to their practice and completed 450 hours of practice during the three years prior to the renewal of registration. Whatever the terms employment, every nurse or midwife must provide evidence of meeting these standards in order to maintain their registration as a nurse with the NMC. If you become registered with the NMC you will be required to meet these standards. Practising as a midwife in the UK Registration on the midwives part of the NMC register provides evidence of qualification. However registration alone does not permit registered midwives to practise their profession. In order to practise, each midwife must have a named supervisor of midwives and must notify the local supervising authority annually, of their intention to practise. The NMC sends each midwife a personalised intention to practise (ItP) form every year. This form enables the local supervising authority to check and monitor that each midwife is eligible to practise. Completion and submission of the annual ItP form to the local supervising authority is a legal requirement of every midwife who works in the UK.

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Supervision of midwives The UK is the only place in the world where supervision of midwives occurs. Supervision of midwives has been in place since the start of the profession in 1902 and is a statutory requirement protected by law. The function of supervision of midwives is to protect the public by providing professional advice and guidance to practising midwives and to service providers. Each midwife has a named supervisor of midwives who is appointed by the local supervising authoritys midwifery officer. Supervision of midwives is based within strategic health authorities or health boards, and overseen by the NMC. Women and families, employer organisations and midwives can talk directly to supervisors of midwives about any concerns they have about the safety of care as practised by a midwife. The local supervising authoritys midwifery officer (LSAMO) can put in place mechanisms to supervise further education and practice developments for a midwife, or suspend a midwife from practice when the safety of women or babies is at risk. The midwife could then be referred to the NMC for investigation, and that might result in removal from the register. This important process supports the self-regulation of the profession.

For information about the routes to registration, go to page 9.

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Routes to registration
1 Automatic recognition The EU sets the minimum training standards that nurses responsible for general care (adult nursing in the UK) and midwives must meet in order to be eligible to register and practise in their home member state and across the EU. These standards are set out in Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (the directive). When countries join the EU, they have to make sure that their general nursing and midwifery training programmes meet the minimum standards set out in the directive. If your qualification was begun after the date that this was established for general nursing (29 June 1979) or midwifery (23 January 1983) or after the reference date for when your country implemented the EU standards then you will meet the requirements for automatic recognition of your qualification and will be accepted for registration with the NMC, subject to completing a full and correct application. The qualifications which meet the standard for automatic recognition and the reference dates for each country can be found on pages 12 to 20. 2 Acquired rights

If your qualification as a general nurse or midwife does not meet the requirements for automatic recognition because you started training for your qualification before your countrys reference date or before your country joined the EU, we will still be able to consider your application provided it is accompanied by some additional documents. This route is known as acquired rights. Your qualification will be recognised and you will be accepted for registration with the NMC if: your qualification is not listed in the table on pages 12 to 20 but was granted in an EEA member state following training in that member state you can provide evidence of your qualification certified by your home competent authority you can provide a certificate from the competent authority of your home member state confirming that you have lawfully and effectively practised as a general nurse or midwife for at least three consecutive years out of the last five years from the date when the certificate was issued. 1

Please note that if you undertook training as a nurse or midwife in Poland or Romania under some circumstances the practice requirement is five consecutive years out of the previous seven. Information regarding these circumstances can be found on page 18 for general care nurses, and page 19 for midwives.

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Individual assessment (general system for the recognition of professional qualifications, articles 10 to 14)

If you have trained as a general nurse or a midwife in an EEA member state but your qualification does not meet the requirements for automatic recognition, and you have not undertaken the pre-requisite period of practice to meet acquired rights, the NMC will still be able to assess your training and experience against the UK standards to practise. If you are a general nurse 2 we will assess your training and experience directly against the requirements of article 31 and annex V, 5.2.1, and if you are a midwife we will assess your training and experience directly against the requirements of article 41 and annex V, 5.5.1 of the directive. This section of the directive also sets out a framework approach for recognising qualifications other than general nursing and midwifery, depending on the level of qualification. The NMC will use this section of the directive to assess applications from: nurses who have undertaken a training leading to a qualification as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse nurses who have undertaken a two year training leading to a qualification as a second level (enrolled nurse) in general, mental health or learning disability nursing nurses or midwives who have undertaken a training leading to a qualification as a public health nurse.

For these qualifications the NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the United Kingdom. If you hold a qualification that has no equivalent on the NMC register then you will not be able to apply for registration. It is important for you to be aware that if your qualification does not match the educational standards criteria for entry to the NMC register we will not be able to register you. Instead where there are significant differences between the training you have undertaken and that which is required in the UK, the NMC will detail these and you will be invited to make up the differences through either a period of adaptation or through an aptitude test. Article 3 of the directive defines these as follows: Adaptation period: The pursuit of a regulated profession in the host member state under the responsibility of a qualified member of that profession, such period of supervised practice possibly being accompanied by further training. This period of supervised practice shall be the subject of an assessment. The detailed rules governing the adaptation period and its assessment as well as the status of a migrant person under supervision shall be laid down by the competent authority in the host member states.

If you have undertaken training as a Feldsher () in Bulgaria, the NMC will not be able to consider your application. This is in accordance with the provisions of article 23(a) of the directive.

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Aptitude test: A test limited to the professional knowledge of the applicant, made by the competent authorities of the host member state with the aim of assessing the ability of the applicant to pursue a regulated profession in that member state.

In most cases in the UK the requirement would be for you to undertake an adaptation period.

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Qualifications from EU states and EEA countries leading to automatic recognition

Because EU and EEA countries implemented the standards for the training of general care nurses and midwives at different times we thought it would be helpful for you to know the date from when your country became compliant with the EU training standards. We hope that this and the other information in this booklet will help you to understand the application process as it applies to you. If you hold one of the following qualifications and the training for your qualification started on or after your countries reference date it is likely that the NMC will be able to automatically register you, provided that you supply some additional paperwork. EU member states Country Reference date Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) Hebammen-Diplom

Austria

1 Jan 1994

1. Diplom als 'Diplomierte Gesundheits - und Krankenschwester/Diplomierter Gesundheits und Krankenpfleger' 2. Diplom als 'Diplomierte Krankenschwester/Diplomierter Krankenpfleger' 1. Diploma gegradueerde verpleger/verpleegster - Diplme d'infirmier(re) gradu(e) - Diplom eines (einer) graduierten Krankenpflegers (-pflegerin) 2. Diploma in de ziekenhuisverpleegkunde - Brevet d'infirmier(re) hospitalier(re) - Brevet eines (einer) Krankenpflegers (-pflegerin) 3. Brevet Van verpleegassistent(e) - Brevet d'hospitalier(re) - Brevet einer Pflegeassistentin January 2011

Belgium

29 June 1979

Diploma van vroedvrouw Diplme d'accoucheuse (23 Jan 1983)

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) "" "

Bulgaria

1 Jan 2007

"" " "

Cyprus

1 May 2004 1 May 2004

1. Diplom o ukoneni studia ve studijnm programu oetovatelstv ve studijnm oboru veobecn sestra (bakal, Bc.) 2. Diplom o ukoneni studia ve studijnm oboru diplomovan veobecn sestra (diplomovan specialista, DiS.)

1. Diplom o ukoneni studia ve studijnm programu oetovatelstv ve studijnm oboru porodn assistentka (bakal, Bc.) 2. Diplom o ukoneni studia ve studijnm oboru diplomovan porodn assistentka (diplomovan specialista, DiS.) Bevis for bestet jordemodereksamen (23 Jan 1983) Diplom mmaemanda erialal

Czech Republic

Denmark

29 June 1979

Eksamensbevis efter gennemfrt sygeplejerskeuddannelse Diplom e erialal

Estonia

1 May 2004

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) Ktiln tutkinto/ barnmorskeexamen 2. Sosiaali- ja terveysalan ammattikorkeakoulututkinto , ktil (AMK)/ yrkeshgskoleexamen inom hlsovrd och det sociala omrdet, barnmorska (YH) Diplme de sage-femme (23 Jan 1983)

Finland

1 Jan 1994

1. Sairaanhoitajan tutkinto/sjuksktarexamen 2. Sosiaali- ja terveysalan ammattikorkeakoulututkinto, sairaanhoitaja (AMK)/yrkeshgskoleexamen inom hlsovrd och det sociala omrdet, sjuksktare (YH)

France

29 June 1979

1. Diplme d'Etat d'infirmier(re) 2. Diplme d'Etat d'infirmier(re) dlivr en vertu du dcret no 99-1147 du 29 dcembre 1999 Zeugnis ber die staatliche Prfung in der Krankenpflege

Germany

29 June 1979

Zeugnis ber die staatliche Prfung fr Hebammen und Entbindungspfleger (23 Jan 1983)

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) 1. (...) 2. . () 3. (23 Jan 1983)

Greece

1 Jan 1981

1. / 2. (...) 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. pol bizonytvny 2.Diploms pol oklevl 3. Egyetemi okleveles pol oklevl Certificate of Registered General Nurse Diploma di infermiere professionale 1. Diploms par msas kvalifikcijas ieganu 2. Msas diploms

Hungary

1 May 2004

Szlszn bizonytvny

Ireland

29 June 1979 29 June 1979 1 May 2004

Certificate in Midwifery (23 Jan 1983) Diploma d'ostetrica

Italy

Latvia

Diploms par vecmtes kvalifikcijas ieganu

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) 1. Auktojo mokslo diplomas, nurodantis suteikt bendrosios praktikos slaugytojo profesin kvalifikacij ir profesins kvalifikacijos paymjimas, nurodantis suteikt akuerio profesin kvalifikacij 2. Auktojo mokslo diplomas (neuniversitetins studijos), nurodantis suteikt bendrosios praktikos slugytojo profesin kvalifikacij ir profesins kvalifikacijos paymjimas, nurodantis suteikt akuerio profesin kvalifikacij 3. Auktojo mokslo diplomas (neuniversitetins studijos), nurodantis suteikt akuerio profesin kvalifikacij Diplme de sage-femme (23 Jan 1983)

Lithuania

1 May 2004

1. Auktojo mokslo diplomas, nurodantis suteikt bendrosios praktikos slaugytojo profesin kvalifikacij 2. Auktojo mokslo diplomas (neuniversitetins studijos), nurodantis suteikt bendrosios praktikos slugytojo profesin kvalifikacij

Luxembourg

29 June 1979

1. Diplme d'Etat d'infirmier 2. Diplme d'Etat d'infirmier hospitalier gradu Lawrja jew diploma flistudji tal-infermerija

Malta

1 May 2004

Lawrja jew diploma flistudji tal-Qwiebel

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) Diploma van verloskundige (23 Jan 1983)

Netherlands

29 June 1979

1. diploma's verpleger A, verpleegster A, verpleegkundige A 2. diploma verpleegkundige MBOV Middelbare Beroepsopleiding Verpleegkundige) 3. diploma verpleegkundige HBOV (Hogere Beroepsopleiding Verpleegkundige) 4. diploma beroepsonderwijs verpleegkundige Kwalificatieniveau 4 5. diploma hogere beroepsopleiding verpleegkundige Kwalificatieniveau 5 1. Dyplom ukoczenia studiw wyszych na kierunku pielgniarstwo z tytuem magister pielgniarstwa 2. Dyplom ukoczenia studiw wyszych zawodowych na kierunku/specjalnoci pielgniarstwo z tytuem "licencjat pielgniarstwa"

Poland

1 May 2004

1. Dyplom ukoczenia studiw wyszych na kierunku poonictwo z tytuem magister poonictwa 2. Dyplom ukoczenia studiw wyszych zawodowych na kierunku/specjalnoci poonictwo z tytuem "licencjat poonictwa"

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) 1. Diploma de enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem de sade materna e obsttrica 2. Diploma/carta de curso de estudos superiores especializados em enfermagem de sade materna e obsttrica 3. Diploma (do curso de ps-licenciatura) de especializao em enfermagem de sade materna e obsttrica Diploma de licenta de moasa

Portugal

1 Jan 1986

1. Diploma do curso de enfermagem geral 2. Diploma/carta de curso de bacharelato em enfermagem 3. Carta de curso de licenciatura em enfermagem

Romania

1 Jan 2007

1. Diploma de absolvire de asistent medical generalist cu studii superioare de scurta durata. 2. Diploma de licenta de asistent medical generalist cu studii superioare de lunga durata 1. Vysokokolsk diplom o udelen akademickho titulu magister z oetrovatestva (Mgr.) 2. Vysokokolsk diplom o udelen akademickho titulu bakalr z oetrovatestva (Bc.)3. Absolventsk diplom v tudijnom odbore diplomovan veobecn sestra

Slovakia

1 May 2004

1. Vysokokolsk diplom o udelen akademickho titulu bakalr z prodnej asistencie (Bc.) 2. Absolventsk diplom v tudijnom odbore diplomovan prodn asistentka

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Country

Reference date

Title of general nursing qualification meeting automatic recognition

Title of midwifery qualification meeting automatic recognition (and reference date if different from nursing) Diploma, s katero se podeljuje strokovni naslov diplomirana babica/diplomirani babiar

Slovenia

1 May 2004

Diploma, s katero se podeljuje strokovni naslov diplomirana medicinska sestra/diplomirani zdravstvenik

Spain

1 Jan 1986

Ttulo de Diplomado universitario en Enfermera

Ttulo de matrona/asistente obsttrico (matrona)/enfermera obsttrica-ginecolgica Barnmorskeexamen

Spain

1 Jan 1994

Sjukskterskeexamen

Additional EEA countries Country Joining date Title of nursing qualification meeting directives Title of midwifery qualification meeting directives 1. Embttisprf ljsmurfri 2. Prf ljsmrafrum The diplomas, certificates and other titles awarded in another EEA state and listed in these tables. Vitneml for besttt jordmorutdanning.

Iceland

1993

1. B.Sc. hjkrunarfri 2. B.Sc. hjkrunarfri 3. Hjkrunarprf The diplomas, certificates and other titles awarded in another EEA state and listed in these tables. Vitneml for besttt sykepleierutdanning.

Liechtenstein

1993

Norway

1993

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Switzerland Country Joining date Title of nursing qualification meeting directives Title of midwifery qualification meeting directives Sage-femme diplme, diplomierte Hebamme, levatrice diplomata

Switzerland

2002

Infirmire diplme en soins gnraux, infirmier diplm en soins gnraux, diplomierte Krankenschwester in allgemeiner Krankenpflege, diplomierter Krankenpfleger in allgemeiner Krankenpflege, infermiera diplomata in cure generali, infermiere diplomato in cure generali

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How to apply for registration as a nurse or midwife

You can get an application form for registration from the EU registration team at the NMC. You can apply in writing to the address on the back of this booklet, or by phone on 020 7333 9333 or by email to eu.enquiries@nmc-uk.org or an application request form can be accessed on the NMCs website at www.nmc-uk.org Once you have applied for registration we will give you a personal reference number (PRN). You will need this every time you contact the NMC, in order for us to access your application details. In order to process your application, we need you to provide us with specific information so that we can make sure that your qualification complies with the relevant part of the directive. You will need to contact the competent authority in the country where you are registered. They will be able to tell you if you are entitled, under European law, to register in the UK because: your training met the requirements for automatic recognition as a nurse responsible for general care or a midwife, or you have a qualification as a nurse responsible for general care or midwife and meet the requirements for registration via acquired rights.

If you are not sure whether your qualification will be recognised by the NMC you should contact the EU registration team for advice, before you pay to have documents translated into English. Some qualifications cannot be recognised in the UK, even if they allow you to practise as a nurse or a midwife in your home country. When you apply for registration with the NMC you will be sent a set of application forms. The instruction sheets accompanying these forms, and this booklet give you detailed information to help you complete the forms and tell you what information we need. You must not photocopy the NMC application forms. But you should send certified photocopies of all your supporting documents, as we cannot return original documents. If any of these documents are not in English, you will need to have them officially translated, and then supply photocopies of both the original document and the translations to the NMC. You must fill in the application form in English. No one else must fill in the form for you and you will need to make sure all the forms are signed, dated and stamped where required. Failure to ensure this will delay your application. You must return the completed application forms and supporting documents within six months of receiving them. If you cannot do this, your application will expire. It may be possible that once we have made an initial assessment of your application that we will ask you to provide further information, which may result in you having to contact the authorities in your home country. An application cannot be considered complete until all of the information required to make a full assessment has been

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received. It is therefore imperative that you read all of the application information carefully.

For information about registering as a nurse responsible for general care, go to page 23. For information about registering as a midwife, go to page 24. If you are a general nurse or midwife and you do not meet the requirements for automatic recognition or acquired rights, go to page 25. For information about registering as a childrens, mental health, or learning disabilities nurse, go to page 30. For information about registering as a second level nurse, go to page 32. If you are interested in temporary registration, go to page 33.

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Registering in the UK as a nurse responsible for general care

In the UK this qualification is known as registered nurse adult nursing. You should read the information below if your qualification is listed as meeting the requirements for automatic recognition, or if you believe you meet the requirements for acquired rights. You will need to send us the completed application form with certified copies of the documents listed below depending on your route of registration. If you meet the requirements for automatic recognition: Certified evidence of your qualification as a nurse responsible for general care if it meets the requirements for automatic recognition under the directive and listed on pages 12 to 20 of this booklet. Application made under acquired rights: Evidence of your qualification certified by your registering body or competent authority if your qualification was awarded before the implementation of the standards established for nurses responsible for general care (29 June 1979) or, before your country became a member of the EU or EEA. We also need a certificate from them confirming that you have been practising as a nurse for 3 years out of the five years before to the certificate was issued quoting article 23(1) of the directive. If you hold the qualification of dyplom pielegniarki albo pielegniarki dyplomawanej from Poland we will require a certificate that you have been practicing as a nurse for five consecutive years out of the last seven in accordance with article 33(2)(b) of the directive. If you hold the qualification of certificate de competente profesionale de asistent medical generalist from Romania we will require a certificate that you have been practicing as a nurse for five consecutive years out of the last seven in accordance with article 33(a) of the directive.

In addition to either of the above we require: a certificate of good conduct or police clearance certificate (You can get this from the police in your home country. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue.) a photocopy of your passport or identity card a certificate of current professional status.

All of the documents set out above must be certified photocopies. We must also receive a translation of all these documents in the English language. The translations must have been verified as authentic by an official translation agency or by your embassy. You must then send the certified photocopies of the originals and the translations to the NMC. The NMC will not be able to return any of these documents to you so it is important that you do not supply original documentation such as passports and certificates as part of your application.

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If you have undertaken training as a Feldsher () in Bulgaria unfortunately the NMC will not be able to consider your application. This is in accordance with the provisions of article 23(a) of the directive.

If you do not meet the requirements for automatic recognition of your qualification or you have not undertaken the required recent practice requirement for acquired rights, go to page 25.

Registering in the UK as a midwife

You should read the information below if your qualification is listed as meeting the requirements for automatic recognition, or if you believe you meet the requirements for acquired rights. You will need to send the completed application form with certified copies of the documents listed below depending on your route of registration. If you meet the requirements for automatic recognition: Certified evidence of your qualification as a midwife if it meets the requirements for automatic recognition under the Directive and listed on pages 12 to 20 of this booklet. If you completed a direct entry midwifery programme of three years or longer, you will be accepted for registration subject to fully completing an application. If you completed an 18-month midwifery training following registration as a nurse responsible for general care, we will need a certificate from your registering body/competent authority confirming that you have practised for one year as a midwife (Article 41(2) of the Directive), since you registered as a midwife. If you have not undertaken the one year experience as a midwife we will not be able to recognise your qualification. Applications made under acquired rights: Evidence of your qualification certified by your registering body/competent authority if it was awarded before the implementation of the standards established for midwifery (23 Jan 1983) or, before your country became a member of the EU or EEA. We also need a certificate from them confirming that you have been practising as a midwife for 3 years out of the 5 years prior to the certificate being issued (Article 23(1) of the Directive). If you hold the qualification of dyplom poloznej from Poland we will require a certificate that you have been practicing as a midwife for 5 consecutive years out of the last 7 in accordance with Article 43(3)(b) of the Directive. If you hold the qualification of asistent medical obstetrica-ginecologie from Romania we will require a certificate that you have been practicing as a midwife for 5 consecutive years out of the last 7 in accordance with Article 43(a) of the Directive.

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In addition to the above we require: a certificate of good conduct or police clearance certificate (You can get this from the police in your home country. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue.) a photocopy of your passport or identity card a certificate of current professional status.

All of the documents set out above must be certified photocopies. We must also receive a translation of all these documents in the English language. The translations must have been verified as authentic by an official translation agency or by your embassy. You must then send the certified photocopies of the originals and the translations to the NMC. The NMC will not be able to return any of these documents to you so it is important that you do not supply original documentation such as passports and certificates as part of your application.

If you do not meet the requirements for automatic recognition of your qualification or you have not undertaken the required recent practise for acquired rights, see the information below.

Individual assessment: Nurses responsible for general care and midwives who do not meet automatic recognition or the practice requirements for acquired rights
If you have successfully completed a qualification as a nurse responsible for general care or a midwife but you do not qualify for automatic recognition or you cannot meet the practice requirements for acquired rights the NMC will still be able to consider your application under article 10(b) of the directive. You will need to send us the application form with certified photocopies of: evidence of your qualification, certified by your registering body/competent authority (This certificate must state that the training you have undertaken is at least equivalent to the level of qualification outlined in article 11(c)(i) of Directive 2005/36/EC.) a transcript of your training (This must be an official document from your training institution. The transcript of your training must contain details of the theoretical subjects that you studied and the numbers of hours as well as details of your clinical experience and the number of hours for each subject.) a certificate of good character or police clearance certificate (You can get this from the police in your home country. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue.) January 2011 Page 25 of 34

a photocopy of your passport or identity card a marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable) a certificate of current professional status.

All of the documents set out above must be certified photocopies. We must also receive a translation of all these documents in the English language. The translations must have been verified as authentic by an official translation agency or by your embassy. You must then send the certified photocopies of the originals and the translations to the NMC. The NMC will not be able to return any of these documents to you so it is important that you do not supply original documentation such as passports and certificates as part of your application. Once we receive your application form and the documents set out above, we will compare your transcript of training with the training that is required by article 31 and annex V, 5.2.1 of the directive for general nurses, or to article 40 and annex V, 5.5.1 for midwives. If we find that there are significant differences between your training and that which we require in the UK, we will detail those in a letter to you. The NMC defines significant differences as being shortfalls in either the length or content of your training programme compared to the training required in the UK. If the NMC does highlight shortfalls in your training and experience you will be offered the opportunity to make up these differences through a period of adaptation, which must be undertaken in the UK.

For the requirements of article 31 and annex V, 5.2.1 on the training of general care nurses, go to page 27. For the requirements of article 40 and annex V, 5.5.1 on the training of midwives, go to page 28.

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EU requirements for the training of general care nurses

Article 31 and annex V, 5.2.1 of Directive 2005/36/EC The educational programme must comprise a three year course or 4,600 hours of theoretical and practical instruction, the duration of the theoretical training representing at least one third and the duration of clinical training at least one half of the minimum duration of the training. A. (a) Theoretical study Nursing Nature and ethics of the profession, general principles of health and nursing, theoretical nursing principles in relation to: (b) general and specialist medicine general and specialist surgery child care and paediatrics maternity care mental health and psychiatry elderly care/geriatrics home/community nursing (c) Social sciences Sociology Psychology Principles of teaching Health and social legislation Legal aspects of nursing Principles of administration

Basic sciences Anatomy and physiology Pathology Pharmacology Bacteriology, virology and parasitology Biophysics, biochemistry and radiology, Dietetics: hygiene health education

B.

Clinical instruction Nursing in relation to: general and specialist medicine general and specialist surgery child care and paediatrics maternity care mental health and psychiatry elderly care/geriatrics home/community nursing

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EU requirements for the training of midwives

Article 40 and annex V, 5.5.1 of Directive 2005/36/EC The educational programme must comprise either (a) three year full time programme of theoretical and practical instruction or (b) a full time programme of 18 months in length following the training and registration as a general (adult) nurse. The UK standard is that the theoretical component must be 50 percent of the programme, and the clinical component 50 percent. A, (a) Theoretical study General subjects (b) Basic anatomy and physiology Basic pathology Basic bacteriology, virology and parasitology Basic biophysics, biochemistry and radiology Paediatrics, with particular reference to new born infants Hygiene, health education, preventive medicine, early diagnosis of diseases Nutrition and dietetics, with particular reference to women, new born and young babies Basic sociology and socio-medical questions Basic pharmacology Psychology Principles and methods of teaching Health and social legislation and health organisation Professional ethics and professional legislation Sex education and family planning Legal protection of mother and infant

Subjects specific to the activities of midwives Anatomy and physiology Embryology and development of the foetus Pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium Gynaecological and obstetrical pathology Preparation for childbirth and parenthood, including psychological aspects Preparation for delivery (including knowledge and use of technical equipment in obstetrics) Analgesia, anaesthesia and resuscitation Physiology and pathology of the new born infant Care and supervision of the new born infant Psychological and social factors

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B.

Practical and clinical training This training is to be dispensed under appropriate supervision: Advising of pregnant women, involving at least 100 pre-natal examinations Supervision and care of at least 40 pregnant women Conduct by the student of at least 40 deliveries, where this number cannot be reached owing to the lack of available women in labour, it may be reduced to a minimum of 30, provided that the student assists with 20 further deliveries Assistance with one or two breech deliveries Experience of episiotomy and initiation into suturing Supervision and care of 40 pregnant women at risk At least 100 post-natal examinations and examinations of normal new born infants Supervision and care of mothers and new born infants, including pre term, post term, underweight and ill new born infants Care of pathological cases in the fields of gynaecology and obstetrics, and diseases of new born and young babies Initiation into the care of general pathological cases in medicine and surgery

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Individual assessment: Registering in the UK as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse
The EU does not have set standards for the training of childrens, mental health, or learning disabilities nurses. Your training will therefore be compared directly to that which is required in the UK. You will need to send us the completed application form with certified copies of the documents listed below. Evidence of your qualification: If you have only trained as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse, your training must have been 3 years in length or its equivalent part-time, following secondary education (equivalent to the level described in article 11(d) of the directive), or If you trained as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse after you qualified as a nurse responsible for general care, you will need to send us evidence of your qualifications both as a nurse responsible for general care and as a childrens, mental health or learning disability nurse. This subsequent training must have been not less than 12 months in length.

A transcript of your training: This must be an official document from your training institution. The transcript of training must contain details of the theoretical subjects that you studied and the number of hours and details of the clinical experience and the numbers of hours. A certificate of good conduct or police clearance certificate: You can get this from the police in your home country. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue. A photocopy of your passport or identity card: If you are not a national of a relevant European State but your husband, wife, civil partner or parent is, then you need to send us a photocopy of their passport or identity card, plus a copy of your marriage certificate if applicable. A certificate of current professional status.

All of the documents set out above must be certified photocopies. We must also receive a translation of all these documents in the English language. The translations must have been verified as authentic by an official translation agency or by your embassy. You must then send the certified photocopies of the originals and the translations to the NMC. The NMC will not be able to return any of these documents to you so it is important that you do not supply original documentation such as passports and certificates as part of your application. On pages 31 and 32, you will find the minimum educational requirements for applications to register with the NMC as a childrens, mental health or learning disabilities nurse. January 2011 Page 30 of 34

Childrens nursing You must have completed either: a three year general nursing course followed by a separate 12 month post registration childrens nursing course, or a three year full time childrens nursing course.

The content of the programme must have been not less than one third theoretical study, and not less than one half clinical or practical study. Either route must include both theoretical and practical instruction in: care for children and young people with health problems requiring routine and specialist medical or surgical interventions care for children and young people in all settings including hospital, school and other community settings health promotion and education in child health care of children and young people in emergency, neonatal and high dependency settings working collaboratively with families and carers to care for sick children of all ages.

Mental health nursing You must have completed either: a three year general nursing course followed by a separate twelve month post registration mental health nursing course, or a three year full time mental health nursing course.

The content of the programme must have been not less than one third theoretical study, and not less than one half clinical or practical study. Either route must include both theoretical and practical instruction in: care of patients with acute and enduring or chronic conditions care for children and young people with have mental health problems specialist mental healthcare: substance abuse, challenging behaviour, those cared for in secure environments care for older people who have mental health problems continuing care and rehabilitation January 2011 Page 31 of 34

community care.

Learning disabilities nursing You must have completed either: a three year general nursing course followed by a separate 12 month post registration learning disabilities nursing course, or a three year full time learning disabilities nursing course.

The content of the programme must have been not less than one third theoretical study, and not less than one half clinical or practical study. Either route must include both theoretical and practical instruction in: caring for those with a learning disability in residential and daycare settings care of those with complex needs and mental health problems care for people of all ages, from childhood to old age working with families and carers to support and uphold the rights of those with learning disabilities continuing care and rehabilitation.

If you have completed a 12 month post-registration programme in mental health, learning disabilities or childrens nursing, we can only consider you for registration if you have also undertaken training for at least three years in general nursing, and have registered this qualification in your home country. If your training broadly meets the NMC requirements but is deficient in one or more areas of study or has a shortfall in length you will be requested to make up this shortfall. This will be either: a period of adaptation if you completed a three year direct entry training or a period of adaptation or an aptitude test if you completed a one year postregistration training.

Registering as a second level nurse

In order to apply you must have undertaken a two year nurse training. Because the standards to be met for this qualification are not set out in a European directive, the NMC will compare your training with that required in the UK. Training in the UK requires a programme to include at least 10 weeks of theory, the remainder of the training to include clinical experience in: initial care in planned and emergency admission to hospital high and medium dependency care preparation for self care, following discharge from hospital January 2011 Page 32 of 34

continuing care for patients with long term disability or recurrent illness leading to re-admission to hospital care of the dying and bereaved.

The training should include experience of nursing people of different age groups, to include care of children and the elderly, and the promotion of health. You will need to send us the application form with certified copies of: evidence of your qualification a transcript of your training (This must be an official document from your training institution. The transcript of your training must contain details of the theoretical subjects that you studied and the numbers of hours as well as details of your clinical experience and the number of hours.) a certificate of good conduct or police clearance certificate (You can get this from the police in your home country. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue.) a photocopy of your passport or identity card marriage or civil partnership certificate, if applicable (if you are not a national of a relevant European state but your husband, wife, civil partner or parent is, then you need to send us a photocopy of their passport or identity card, and a copy of your marriage certificate if applicable.) a certificate of current professional status.

All of the documents set out above must be certified photocopies. We must also receive a translation of all these documents in the English language. The translations must have been verified as authentic by an official translation agency or by your embassy. You must then send the certified photocopies of the originals and the translations to the NMC. The NMC will not be able to return any of these documents to you so it is important that you do not supply original documentation such as passports and certificates as part of your application. Once we receive your application form and the documents set out above, we will compare your transcript of training with the training that is required in the UK. If we find that there are significant differences between your training and that which we require in the UK, we will detail those in a letter to you. You will be offered the opportunity to make up these differences either by an aptitude test or a period of adaptation.

Temporary registration
If you wish to work in the UK as a nurse or a midwife on a temporary basis, please contact a member of the EU registrations team directly for advice.

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Nursing and Midwifery Council 23 Portland Place London W1B 1PZ +44 (0)20 7333 9333 eu.enquiries@nmc-uk.org www.nmc-uk.org

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